Jean Okelberry Hill

Jean Okelberry Hill, 79, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on November 7, 2015. Jean was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and artist. Jean is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith in and for our Father in Heaven and his son, Jesus Christ was unwavering throughout her life. She was born on September 21, 1936 to Alfred and Helen Okelberry in Salt Lake City, Utah. Jean married Dean, the love of her life, on November 21, 1956. She grew up living in the house on 7th Ave and B Street in Salt Lake City, Utah. After her marriage she lived with her family in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Lansing, Michigan, Terre Haute, Indiana, and Salt Lake City to eventually return to Las Cruces where she has lived with Dean for the past 33 years. Jean received her Bachelor's degree in Home Economics from the University of Utah in 1958. In 1993, she decided to pursue additional education and received her Master's degree in Vocal Performance from New Mexico State University. Her love of learning never ceased throughout her life. She took classes in woodworking, ceramics and watercolor. She was an extraordinary seamstress and costumer. She loved sewing from a young age. She sewed professionally and costumed for the Dona Anna Lyric Opera Society for many years. She has sewn quilts, blessing dresses, prom dresses and a wedding dress for her youngest daughter. Her love of sewing has been passed to her children and grandchildren. She has continued the tradition of knitted Christmas stockings that was started by her mother. We love and treasure those stockings, quilts and dresses that have become a family heirlooms. The greatest joy of her life was her family. She is the mother of four children; Cynthia (CJ) Webb, David (Vivian) Hill, Becky (GL) Critchfield, Denise Jean (Brad) Murray. Grandmother to: Aliza, Lauren, Samuel, Alexandria, Weston, Sarah, Colby, Trevor, Troy, Molly, Natassja, Caitlin, Easton, Spencer, Tanner, Gavin and Venetia. Great grandmother to nine great grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Dean, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also, by her sister, Joan Clissold and sisters in law; Doreen Okelberry Mayfield, Kay Hill, Lorna Hill Burnett, and Annette Hill-Onstott. She was proceeded in death by her parents and her brother Carl. She was a dedicated disciple of Christ and served selflessly in many Church callings. Including ward Primary, Young Women's and Relief Society presidents. She also served twice as stake Relief Society president. Funeral services will be held at the LDS Chapel located at 3210 Venus Street on Saturday November 14, 2015 at 10:00 am. There will be a viewing one hour prior to the funeral service. She will be buried in Salt Lake City at which time there will be a graveside service.